Actuators of ionic electro-active polymer were prepared using single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), poly(vinylidene fluoride-heaxafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) and an ionic liquid. The effect of the composition of the electrode layer on the characteristics of the actuator was examined. The actuators were very light, flexible and bent largely at low voltages (IV). Overall, the maximum bending angle decreased with increasing amount of PVdF-HFP. The response time was also dependent on the type of ionic liquid. The actuator prepared with l-ethyl-3 methylimidazolium tetrafluoroboratre ($EMIBF_4$) operated faster and deformed morc than the one prepared with I-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroboratre ($BMIBF_4$) owing to its high ionic conductivity. Measurements of the voltage-displacement revealed the actuator made trom $EMIBF_4$ to have better linearity (recoverability). The composite actuator prepared in this study has potential applications ranging from micro switches to a11ificial muscles, robotics, etc..